Karen Hardy Presents Healthcare O*S*C*A*R*S In Dorset

Strictly Come Dancing star Karen Hardy honoured healthcare professionals in Dorset

by Steve Masters

(Vertical-Leap.co.uk and WireNews+Co) - Dorset, England - 03 October 2012

Karen Hardy hot-footed it to Dorset in September to honour NHS staff and volunteers at the Dorset HealthCare Trust’s fourth annual staff awards ceremony, dubbed the O*S*C*A*R*S.

The Strictly Come Dancing star said, “It’s been an honour to be part of such a special evening which has recognised so many inspirational people. NHS staff don’t often receive the thanks they truly deserve, but it’s these devoted and admiral people that care for our loved ones every day.

“Each and every member of staff is a star in their own right and it’s been a pleasure to see so many rewarded for going the extra mile for their patients, carers and healthcare services.”

Awards were presented across eight categories and the lucky winners received a commemorative glass trophy from Karen (born and raised in Dorset) as well as local Olympic torch bearer Vicky Willan and Trust Chairman Jonathan Walsh, among others.

Winners included Jean Manuel for her ‘outstanding lifetime service contribution’, having worked in Yeatman Hospital, Sherborne, since 1970; the Dementia Champions team for the ‘quality of service’ award and the Occupational Therapy Team within the Children’s Learning Disability service for the ‘patient and carer involvement’ award.

Joint winners of the ‘inspirational leadership’ award were Gary Newham from Alderney Hospital and Community Service Manager Helen Persey. ‘Volunteers of the year’ Juliette Ricardo and Maria Holloway were recognised for their volunteering efforts in Sherborne and Wareham; as was ‘unsung hero’ Dilly Jackson for her work in the Children’s Learning Disability Service in Wimborne. Jason Thomas received the ‘working in partnership award’ and the Trust’s Tina Christopher received ‘The Chief Executive’s Award’ in recognition of her innovative approach to streamlining.

Chief Executive Paul Sly, said: “The Trust’s annual awards ceremony is just a small token of appreciation to our staff for their dedication to healthcare services across Dorset. Their commitment to patients and carers is second to none and we are extremely proud and grateful for all their hard work.”

Ends

Dorset HealthCare Trust - http://www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk (http://www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk)
Karen Hardy – http://www.karenhardy.com (http://www.karenhardy.com)